You certainly took offense to many elements. However, I believe you're in the minority on this one Chris. Metacritic (your favorite barometer) gave it a 73 (Rottentomatoes Cream was higher). That means between three quarters to nearly 86% (RT) like the film.

You make some valid points and comparisons. You did like Roger Deakins cinematography (Skyfall and other films). However, I believe you missed the boat here on the focus of the film, which goes to the heart of concepts like torture - what would we tolerate if it was our child? What would we do? Would we condone torture? I believe Jackman's character is driven to torture and in the end feels he can never let his victim go, no matter the outcome. I believe he would have killed the boy and disposed of his body as what was necessary. As a survivalist, this came out in the plot - he would do whatever was necessary for the survival of his family, even if that meant sacrificing his own life (which his wife reinforces near the end). Notice the reaction of the child in the wheelchair. There was no great outpouring of love for the investigator, no big thank you, no hug, no tears, no expression of gratitude. I almost felt a sense of resentment as she thought the investigator had not done enough to "prevent" the crime from happening. The film's resolution, the level of acting, the intricacy of the script, the plot twist reveal, and the camera work make too many positives for such a hostile review on your part.

I could start quoting other reviews but I am certain you'll find a scarce negative one there that supports your point of view, no doubt. But for every negative one you find, I can find four that support my reaction to this film. I believe you've cut it short, but I'm not exactly sure why because your review is almost hostile.